Vatican prefect calls priests to 'renewed conversion'
March 07, 2011
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Priests must be “true prophets,” the prefect of the Congregation for Clergy writes in a letter to Catholic clerics timed for the beginning of Lent.
Cardinal Mauro Piacenza exhorts all priests to a “renewed conversion,” saying that only a genuine dedication to God’s work will enable pastors to lead their flocks in a renewal of Christian zeal. “A de-Christianized world requires a new evangelization,” the cardinal writes, and priests must enrich their own spiritual lives in order to lead their people.
Cardinal Piacenza acknowledges that pastors are under stress in a secular age, and often “the fatigue is truly great.” But if the Church needs more priests to help in the work, he argues, today’s priests must help to spark renewed interest in the faith among young men. He warns that “if first we don’t convert ourselves, we will become even fewer.” The cardinal says that “only a renewed, converted priest can become an instrument through which the Spirit calls new priests.”
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Posted by: unum -
Mar. 08, 2011 11:50 AM ET USA
My pastor is old, sick, and admits he doesn't want to be in our parish. He is is openly critical of the parishioners, and also openly critical of our bishop. He does not bother with the duties of administering our parish, and parish volunteers do the best they can. Our pastor remains in his position because there is no one else to take his place. Many of our bishops are old and tired, and lack the energy to reform the Church. Our Church will not be there for my children if this continues.
